CHARLESTON, S.C. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton returned to Charleston Thursday following a 71-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

During their patrol, the Hamilton crew conducted Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT), counter-drug operations and represented the United States at Sail Cartagena de Indias 2018.

Beginning the patrol with CSSQT, the Hamilton crew underwent extensive testing of shipboard electronic weapons systems integral for combat readiness and evaluated the as designed capability of the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter (NSC) platform in a threat-representative environment. The crew’s efforts provided support for system employment in continued operations for all the Coast Guard’s mission areas including national defense, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

Arongkron “Paul” Malasukum, 42, a resident of Woodside, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, in Sherman, Texas, to nine months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release for illegally trafficking parts from endangered African lions and tigers.

Malasukum previously pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly C. Priest Johnson to a one count information charging him with wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act.

In papers filed in federal court, Malasukum admitted to meeting with undercover agents who were working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and purchasing a tiger skull from the agents.
more...

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The U.S. Coast Guard expects increased marine traffic on the Thames River in vicinity of New London Saturday due to Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks and New London Sailfest.

The local Coast Guard and maritime law enforcement units will enforce a 1000-foot safety zone for the fireworks display from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., around the fireworks barge just east of New London Waterfront Park.

New pastures will provide free-roaming environment for animals in overpopulated herds

The Bureau of Land Management announced today that it is seeking proposals for new public off-range pastures that provide a free-roaming environment for wild horses removed from Western public lands while also allowing for regular public visitation.

The announcement is part of the BLM’s effort to address the growing overpopulation of wild horses and burros on public rangelands. As of March 1, 2018, the wild horse and burro population on public lands was estimated at 81,951 animals, which is more than triple the number of animals the land can support in conjunction with other legally mandated land uses. This chronic overpopulation increases the risk of damage to rangeland resources and raises the chances of starvation and thirst for animals in overpopulated herds.

A former special agent for the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Division was convicted on June 15 after a jury in Sacramento, California found her guilty of filing false tax returns, obstruction of justice and stealing government money.

According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Alena Aleykina, who is also a Certified Public Accountant
more...

DETROIT – An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit rescued 5 people from the rocks after their fishing vessel lost power and was blown against a breakwall by high winds, Friday.

The names of those rescued are not being released.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Detroit command center received a call at 2 p.m. from the Huron County Sheriff Department about a 25-foot fishing vessel with 5 people aboard, against the rocks of the Harbor Beach breakwall.